Kapil Dev pained as Anshuman Gaekwad battles blood cancer, asks BCCI for financial assistance

PTC News Desk: Kapil Dev, India's World Cup-winning captain, asked the BCCI for financial aid for his teammate Anshuman Gaekwad. The former Indian player is battling blood cancer while getting treatment in London. 

Kapil Dev stated that he and other Indian greats including Mohinder Amarnath, Sunil Gavaskar, Sandeep Patil, Dilip Vengsarkar, Madan Lal, Ravi Shastri, and Kirti Azad are hoping to raise funds for their teammate. The former India all-rounder was deeply saddened by Anshuman Gaekwad's struggle and hoped for the board to step in and support him. He has urged the BCCI to provide financial support to Anshuman Gaekwad.

"It's sad and very depressing. I am in pain because I have played with Anshu and cannot bear to see him in this condition. Nobody should suffer. I know the Board will take care of him," Kapil Dev said.

"We are not forcing anyone. Any assistance for Anshu will have to come from the heart. Standing up to some of the toughest fast bowlers, he took hits to the face and chest. Now is the time for us to stand up for him. I am confident that our cricket fans will not fail him. They should pray for his recovery," he added.

Kapil believes that now that the BCCI is making good money, they should put in place measures to care for former players.

"Unfortunately, we do not have a system. It's great to see this generation of players making good money. It's encouraging to see that support staff are being paid fairly. During our time, the Board lacked funds. Today, it has and should look after older players from the past," Kapil added.